As vegan cuisine continues to gain popularity around the world and in Virginia, we compiled a list of some tasty plant-based dishes offered in NoVA. These dishes take creativity to a level by offering meatless, dairy-free, and eggless versions of everything from the humble but classic hot dog to umami-filled ramen to an upscale vegan tartare.
Galaxy Hut’s Chili Dog
We all love a good hot dog, and whether you are fully vegan or just occasionally prefer to eat plant-based, Galaxy Hut has the perfect vegan hot dog for you. The vegan-friendly spot serves a Beyond brat on a griddled New England–style bun and smothers it with spicy housemade vegan chili, rich vegan queso, and crunchy green onions. If hot dogs aren’t your thing, the Galaxy Hut also has burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and loaded tater tots that are all vegan. 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Jinya Ramen Bar’s Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen and Red Fire Opal Ramen
At Jinya, diners have the choice of not one but two vegan ramens. First, there’s the spicy creamy ramen in which sesame paste gives the vegetable-based broth a thick, creamy texture. Cubes of tofu, spinach, and thick, chewy noodles swim in the broth, and crispy fried onions, garlic chips, garlic oil, chili oil, and sesame seeds top it all off. If you prefer more of a kick, there is the Red Fire Opal Ramen. This ramen has a yuzu hot-and-sour soup base and is full of tofu, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, and ramen noodles along with garnishes of cilantro, chili oil, and lime. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 150, Arlington; 2911 District Ave., Ste. 170, Fairfax; 11964 Market St., Reston
Mama Chang’s Hot and Numbing Tofu Skin Salad
The words “tofu” and “salad” often scare people off, but this dish is truly extraordinary. Here, tofu is so thin it resembles noodles. It comes swirled in the fiery hot and numbing Sichuan sauce that Peter Chang is so famous for. It is chewy, in-your-face, and oh so satisfying. 3251 Blenheim Blvd., Ste. 101, Fairfax
Surreal’s Beet Tartare
One of the newest additions to Surreal’s menu is beet tartare: Beets, peanuts, and long peppers are blended to create a dish that resembles the traditional raw-beef dish both visually and texturally. This vegan tartare is served with a side of chickpea crisps for scooping and is adorned with a dollop of the kitchen’s vegan mayo, a creative concoction made of hearts of palm and coconut milk. To finish the dish, Surreal’s chef adds a vegan “egg yolk” made with aji amarillo, agave, and kala namak salt — an Indian black salt that adds a natural egg flavor. The dish is wildly innovative and a great example of how exciting vegan fare can be. 2117 Crystal Dr., Arlington
Troy’s Italian Kitchen’s Vegan Buffalo Chick’n
Lots of pizza can be made vegan simply by omitting the cheese, but at Troy’s, the team wants you to have a pizza with all the fixings. The Buffalo “chick’n” pizza comes glistening from buffalo sauce all over and is completed with onions, vegan cheese, and fried vegan chicken. Insider tip: Be sure to also try their vegan wings, garlic knots, and confetti cake. 2710-B Washington Blvd., Arlington
Feature image of beet tartare courtesy Surreal
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